No Hajj Without a Permit: Saudi Arabia's Vision for Safe and Seamless Pilgrimage

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Hajj for every pilgrim is embodied in its annual national awareness and regulatory campaign "No Hajj Without a Permit," which underscores the importance of a well-regulated system respected by all as a cornerstone of the Kingdom's national vision for a successful pilgrimage.

 Targeting both domestic and international pilgrims, the campaign is a testament to the Saudi leadership's dedication to providing comprehensive services, safety, comfort, and reassurance, preventing the chaos and violations that have historically disrupted the smooth flow of Hajj.

 "No Hajj Without a Permit" directly addresses issues such as unauthorized pilgrims, road congestion, and fraudulent Hajj campaigns that expose pilgrims to harsh conditions. For the Hajj season 1446 AH, the campaign has underscored the Kingdom's firm resolve, emphasizing that a successful Hajj is a shared national, security, and organizational responsibility. Measures include proactive awareness messaging, intensified security checkpoints at entry points to Makkah and the holy sites, the use of advanced monitoring technologies, and the immediate enforcement of penalties for violations.

 This year's Arafah Day, in particular, highlighted the campaign's success. Pilgrims followed instructions and arrived at their designated camps on time, resulting in an unprecedentedly smooth traffic flow and clear roads around Arafat and Namirah Mosque. A palpable sense of tranquility and reassurance prevailed as pilgrims performed their essential Hajj rituals, supported by a secure environment and extensive government services.

 Each authorized pilgrim was allocated equipped spaces within the holy sites, ensuring an organized experience that prioritized their health and service needs, including housing, catering, healthcare, and modern transportation, while smart applications and platforms further enhanced awareness efforts.

 Coordinated efforts across all sectors facilitated the efficient movement of pilgrims among holy sites via buses and trains. The Nusuk Card and modern technical supervision systems played a crucial role in regulating Hajj performance and ensuring compliance. Heightened awareness campaigns and effective inter-agency coordination further reinforced pilgrims' adherence to guidelines.

 The Ministry of Interior's Makkah Route Initiative, now in its seventh year across 11 international airports, has continued to streamline the arrival process for over one million pilgrims since 2017. The achievements of this Hajj season directly reflect Saudi Vision 2030's overarching goal to enhance Hajj and Umrah services by providing a safe and seamless experience for every pilgrim.